Two paramedics who returned to work after the death of their friend and partner, Chris Allen, have been nominated for a Community Champion Award.

Popular and respected paramedic Chris Allen, who saved hundreds of lives during a 30-year ambulance service career, died aged 54 in James Cook University Hospital on January 28 last year one day after suffering a massive brain haemorrhage during a call-out at Tees Dock.

After Chris’ tragic death, both his partner and soul-mate, Liz Limon, 45, and close friend Jayne Cozens, 50, returned to the same Redcar North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) station and carried on their work for the public.

Chris’ brother Mike was so impressed with their dedication that he wanted their work to be recognised.

Chris with partner Liz Limon

Mike, 57, said: “I think all paramedics deserve a medal but I want to nominate Liz Limon and Jayne Cozens who are both paramedics on the rapid response cars at NEAS for a Community Champion Award.

“Liz was my brother’s partner until he passed away last year.

“Liz and Jayne are both well liked for their professional care and they help hundreds of people each year.

“They both drive the RRV cars which means they are normally the first on the scene. They have a lot to deal with.

“Liz and Jayne both knew my brother for over 20 years through working at NEAS.

“Liz went back to the same Redcar paramedic station where my brother worked. Knowing how much it affected her when Chris died, it must have been hard for her.

“All paramedics deserve a medal for what they do each day. But Liz has been through a lot in the past year and I think both Liz and Jayne would be the perfect people to nominate for their work in the community.”

Tributes have been paid to Teesside paramedic Chris Allen

On being told that she had been nominated, Liz said: “I’m quite humbled by this - it’s lovely.

“I’m doing alright. I have good days and bad days - you just put on a front and keep going.

“Jayne misses him terribly as well. She’s taken on his work for the union - she was thinking about it before he passed away.

“It’s nice that he’s left that legacy.

“You never think it will happen to you. You don’t leave the house wondering if you’re never going to see the person you love ever again.

“Work have been brilliant. They have supported me coming back.

“It’s hard working at the same place - you see the cars and for a second you think ‘is that Chris?’ We used to have loads of laughs together.

“When I go out on sudden deaths now, I have more empathy than I did before. You realise it’s not just today, but the months to come when they will miss them.”

Funeral of Teesside paramedic Chris Allen (Image: Evening Gazette)

In February last year, hundreds of mourners gathered at St Mary’s Cathedral in Coulby Newham for Chris’ funeral.

As a mark of respect for their colleague, ambulance crew members in uniform lined the entrance of the cathedral for the arrival of the hearse.